According to Braun, the nonprofit’s board of directors hired him on Friday to oversee that transition. He said the salary is being negotiated.

Braun was making $8,000 a month consulting for Balboa Park Celebration, and the former head of the organization was paid $15,000 a month.

In his KPBS interview, Braun cited obstacles including a difficult fundraising climate, apathy among park supporters and the brief administration of former Mayor Bob Filner, who was drummed out of office last summer following a series of sexual harassment complaints.

Braun also noted the defeat of the Plaza de Panama project, which would have closed a portion of the park to cars and freed up more exhibit space.

“It would have given us a different start and made the park much more exciting and appealing,” Braun said.

According to Braun, the nonprofit spent much of its money developing plans for the yearlong celebration. He said such plans had to be developed before potential sponsors were approached.

Braun said he will turn over all documents and intellectual property to the city.

In terms of public records that have been sought by the U-T and others, he said accountants are working now to put information into digestible formats.

“The public deserves to have documents they understand and that don’t have to be interpreted,” Braun said.

Braun, a former U-T columnist and aide to former Mayor Jerry Sanders, had declined several interview requests from the U-T since the Watchdog began raising questions about the group's lack of progress in January.